[Daniel]
I’ve just learned from Drudge that:
Opponents of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took an early lead in key races in Iran’s local elections
which is good to know, since I didn’t stay up for the results programme.
Apparently Government officials were quick
to praise the turnout, saying it would send a strong message to the West that Iran is a democracy
which at least shows they are keeping pace with the latest Western techniques in the provision of lame election excuses.
However, Harry’s Place, the first place I look for stories on Islamicism, undercuts this claim with this story:
Iranian student activists who staged an angry protest against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last week have gone into hiding in fear for their lives after his supporters threatened them with revenge.
The whole Guardian piece on which this post is based also includes this:
The university authorities’ contentious use of the disciplinary code was said to be a trigger for last week’s protest. About 70 students have been suspended and threatened with expulsion for various political activities, including writing articles critical of the government.
Last month, the authorities demolished two building belonging to the Islamic students’ committee – a moderate grouping representing diverse opinions. An elected student body was also disbanded. Women students have been told to wear conservative dress and remove any makeup.
The Dish 